Help shape Intersect’s future: Executive Director applications open

Intersect, the member-based organization supporting Cardano’s governance and ecosystem growth, is opening applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director (ED). This marks an essential step in strengthening Intersect’s commitment to transparent, member-led governance and ensuring that the community’s voice helps shape its future leadership.

Throughout this process, Jack Briggs will continue to serve as Interim Executive Director, maintaining stability and continuity while the search and selection of our permanent ED takes place.

A leadership opportunity for Intersect and the Cardano community and beyond

The Executive Director will serve as the operational and strategic lead of Intersect, not as a traditional “top-down” executive, but as a facilitator and enabler of community-driven progress.

We welcome candidates from across the Cardano ecosystem and beyond who share our vision for a decentralized, member-led future.  Applications are now open via this form, and community members can also submit potential candidates through the nomination form.

You can read the full Executive Director job description here.

A transparent and participatory process

Earlier this summer, Intersect’s Governing Board proposed a new approach to selecting its permanent Executive Director, one that moves beyond closed recruitment and embraces the principles of openness, collaboration, and decentralization.

This process reflects the organization’s belief that leadership selection should not happen behind closed doors, but through a community-informed process that draws on the experience, insight, and collective wisdom of the people who make Intersect what it is: its members and the broader Cardano community.

Applications and nominations: October 6 – 24, 2025

From Monday, October 6, the doors open for both direct applications and community nominations. This first phase ensures that anyone who aligns with Intersect’s mission has the opportunity to put themselves forward or to be recognized by others.

Nominations can be converted into complete applications if accepted by the nominee, helping to surface potential candidates who may not have otherwise applied. At the close of this stage, all submissions will be carefully reviewed to confirm eligibility and alignment with the organization’s requirements.

Member and DRep polling: October 27 – 31, 2025

In keeping with Intersect’s member-led model, the next step introduces a dual polling system, one for Intersect members and another for our stakeholders in the Cardano Community, as represented by Cardano’s Delegated Representatives (DReps).

Members will participate under a simple one-member-one-vote structure, while DReps will indicate their sentiment based on stake-weighted representation. Together, these polls will determine the top ten candidates advancing to the next stage, offering each group a tangible way to influence who leads the organization forward.

Panel interviews: From November 3, 2025

Following the polls, a diverse selection panel will begin a series of structured interviews. The panel brings together eight voices from across Intersect’s ecosystem: two members of the Board, two member representatives from the Steering Committee, two DReps, and two members of Intersect’s staff.

Each candidate will be assessed using clear, objective criteria designed to identify individuals who demonstrate not only leadership skill but a deep understanding of decentralization, community accountability, and mission-driven governance. The panel will then recommend three finalists to the Board.

Board selection and final appointment

The final step rests with Intersect’s Board of Directors, which will review the panel’s findings and make the ultimate appointment. If, after careful consideration, the Board concludes that no candidate meets the necessary standard, it retains the option to revise and restart the process, ensuring that the final decision upholds the values and expectations of the community.

About the role

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the operational and strategic lead of Intersect, guiding the organization as it continues to grow into the cornerstone of Cardano’s decentralized governance ecosystem. This is not a conventional executive post. The ED’s role is to enable, not to command, but in helping build the frameworks, processes, and culture that allow Intersect’s members, committees, and partners to collectively shape the ecosystem’s evolution.

At its core, this role is about leadership through facilitation: striking a balance between operational excellence and transparency, accountability, and community collaboration. The Executive Director will champion Intersect’s mission, engage directly with members and Delegated Representatives (DReps), and represent the organization at events, forums, and discussions worldwide.

The successful candidate will demonstrate not only strong leadership and management skills but also a deep understanding of decentralized systems and the values that drive them: openness, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Director will:

• Develop and deliver a strategy that aligns with Intersect’s mission and the priorities of its members.
• Oversee daily operations, budgets, and resources in coordination with committees and staff.
• Act as a neutral facilitator of governance, ensuring decisions reflect community consensus rather than centralized authority.
• Build trusted relationships with Intersect members, the Cardano Foundation, IOG, EMURGO, and other ecosystem entities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and diversity across a globally distributed team.
• Represent Intersect in global Web3 and governance communities, promoting its role as a model for open collaboration.

Candidate profile

Intersect is seeking a candidate with a strong record of leadership in decentralized, nonprofit, or member-based organizations. They should bring operational and strategic depth, combined with a passion for empowering communities to lead.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex, mission-driven organizations or programs.
• Deep alignment with Web3 and open governance principles.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, particularly across diverse teams and cultures.
• Strategic foresight and the ability to execute with clarity, even in evolving or uncertain environments.
• A collaborative approach that values listening as much as leading.

Preferred attributes include experience in blockchain or digital governance, conflict resolution, and community engagement, as well as the ability to navigate multi-stakeholder decision-making processes.

Terms and commitment

This is a remote-first position with global travel required. The Executive Director will report directly to Intersect’s Board of Directors and serve a two-year term, renewable for an additional two years, subject to regular review and community consultation. A 90-day probationary period will apply.

Intersect offers competitive compensation benchmarked against global nonprofit and Web3 leadership roles.

The Executive Director’s performance will be measured through transparent, quarterly reporting and engagement with the Intersect community, ensuring that accountability remains central to the role from day one.

Why this matters

This recruitment process represents a crucial step in building governance structures that are accountable, transparent, and aligned with the values of the Cardano community. By participating, whether by applying, nominating, or voting in the polls, members and DReps help shape the leadership and direction of Intersect.

Together, we are taking another important step toward a truly decentralized, member-led future.